Severing machine for forming tufted fabrics



Oct. 23, 1962 F. w. RIDDLE 3,059,307

SEVERING MACHINE FOR FORMING TUFTED FABRICS Filed Feb. 25, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 23, 1962 F. w. RIDDLE SEVERING MACHINE FOR FORMING TUFTED FABRICS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 25, 1958 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS b nsign Oct. 23, 1962 F. w; RIDDLE 3,059,307

SEVERING MACHINE FOR FORMING TUFTED FABRICS Filed Feb. 25, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 s a: INVENTOR a ml (M ATTORNEY l Oct. 23, 1962 F. w. RIDDLE SEVERING MACHINE FOR FORMING TUFTED FABRICS Filed Feb. 25. 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 R 5 Ma w e w a w m 1% E fin I W 2 WW A I i a Ill 4% j/ W M i Z w z a z fl m w z w United States Patent 3,05%,307 SEVERING MACHEJE FOR FORMING TUFTED FABRICS Frank William Riddle, Biscoe, N.C., assignor to Aileen Mills Company, Biscoe, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina Filed Feb. 25, 1958, Ser. No. 717,527 14 Claims. (Cl. 26-12) This invention relates to improvements in apparatus and methods for making tufted fabrics, and more particularly to the severing of continuous tuft cords, employed in the manufacture of such fabrics, after weaving of the cords into the fabric.

It is a common expedient in the manufacture of fabrics of i this character to feed continuous tuft cords, each comprising a bundle of threads, in parallel relation and in the direction of and above the warp threads of the fabric. By suitable manipulation of the loom harness, controlled by the feeding of an appropriate pattern to the loom dobby or the like, the tuft cords are depressed at intervals, together with selected warp threads, to provide a shed for the passage of the shuttle, whereby the cords are woven into the fabric at spaced points in the length thereof. Intermediate these points the cords are free, constituting loops, and the loops thus formed in the cords are disposed in rows, generally aligned transversely of the fabric. Tufts are then formed by severing the loop-s, thereby forming the tuft ends.

Two exemplary machines which operate either as components of the loom or as attachments for or adjuncts to a loom whereby tuft cords woven at intervals into a fabric so as to provide tuft loops are severed substantially midway of each loop are disclosed and described in my Patents 2,664,920 and 2,664,921 issued January 5, 1954. Both of these machines cooperate with a loom in such a fashion that the loom provides rollers for positioning the fabric with respect to the cutting tool. If, however, machines of this type are operated independently of the looms, a problem arises with regard to the severing of the tufts with greater accuracy and uniformity in the length of the tufts. This problem arises primarily from the tendency of the fabric to contract toward the center line of its length and thus has a tendency to cause the severed tufts to be irregular. Further, since the cutting members of these machines move transversely of the fab ric, at varying speeds, they exhibit limited capabilities for high speed operation. The work strokes of these machines incorporate reversals of direction of travel of the cutting member. At each reversal, the cutting member comes to a stop and starts in the opposite direction, giving rise to variations in the cutting speed of the cutting member. Such variations in cutting speed limit the speed at which the fabric may be moved.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide improved apparatus for producing tufted fabrics.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus for producing tufted fabrics, which apparatus is adapted for relatively high speed operation.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved method for producing tufted fabrics.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus to be operated independently of the looms whereby loops may be severed substantially midway of each loop with a high degree of accuracy and uniformity.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide apparatus for use in the manufacture of tufted fabrics in which means are provided for compensating for the tendency of the fabric to contract when it is moving at a relatively high speed under lengthwise tension and thus permit accuracy in the cutting in the lengths of the tufts.

It is another object of this invention to provide high speed cutting assemblies which aid in the tensioning of the fabric in the desired transverse direction to further offset the tendency of the fabric to contract toward the longitudinal center line.

Briefly in accordance with aspects of this invention, the fabric is fed off of a roll over a series of rollers which in addition to moving the fabric past the cutting assemblies at a relatively high speed, apply transverse and longitudinal tension to the fabric to permit the cutting assemblies to accurately sever the loops. These rollers include groups of rollers which have roughened surfaces and at least one roller comprising pivoted segments which exert a transverse pull on the fabric in a direction away from the longitudinal center line of the fabric to offset the tendency of the fabric to contract toward the center in response to the longitudinal pull exerted by the other rollers. Certain of the rollers are roughened so that they frictionally engage the fabric and thus assist in the production of the transverse tension on the fabric. Certain other of the rollers have portions of dissimilar diameter to exert a greater tension over predetermined portions of the fabric than over other predetermined portions of the fabric. Advantageously, at least one of the rollers comprises segments having larger diameter at the ends of the roller so that the segments of the fabric adjacent the edges are under greater tension than the center portions of the fabric. Also advantageously, certain other of the rollers have roughened center portions and smooth end portions to permit the transverse tension applied to the fabric prior to these rollers to be maintained during the passage of the fabric over these rollers.

In accordance with other aspects of this invention one of the rollers comprises segments pivotably mounted on an axis and these segments are pivoted longitudinally of the axis of the roller by cam surfaces secured to the apparatus framework adjacent the ends of the roller and operatively engage these pivoted segments to provide movement of the segments away from the transverse axis of the roller during the time that the segments are in engagement with the fabric, and to move the segments of the roller toward the transverse axis of the roller when these segments are disengaged from the fabric. Advantageously, these reciprocating segments have serrated faces which engage the fabric to provide a high degree of friction between the roller and the fabric. i

In accordance with other aspects of this invention, the loops of the fabric are severed by a plurality of cutting assemblies which are actuated in a manner to further produce transverse pull on the fabric away from the center line of the fabric. Advantageously, the upper portion of each cutting assembly rides on an oval track above the fabric. The semicircular loops of the oval track are positioned remote from the edges of the fabric. The cutting assembly passes over the fabric twice in opposite directions in completing one revolution of the oval path. The lower portion of the cutting assembly is slida-bly mounted in the upper portion thereof and a roller is rotatably mounted on an axle which is secured to the lower portion. This roller operatively engages an undulatory'or camshaped track which track also defines an oval configuration. This cam-shaped track has elevated portions in the region of the ends of the oval and reduced portions along the greater length of the oval. When the roller reaches one of the elevated portions, a cutting device of the cutting assembly including a cutting wheel is disengaged from the fabric and when the roller reaches one of the reduced portions, the cutting device is lowered into engagement with the fabric. These cam-shaped tracks are so arranged that the cutting devices are moved into engagement with the fabric only after having passed a considerable distance across the fabric so that the devices engage the fabric in the region of the center line of the fabric and sever the loops as the cutting assemblies are moved toward one selvage of the fabric. After cutting device reaches the one selvage of the fabric, it is moved out of engagement with the fabric by means of the cam surfaces and follows its oval path to a path parallel to the original work path and is brought into its second engagement with the fabric only after the cutting device has passed over a portion of the fabric and approaches the transverse center line of the fabric. The cutting device continues to cut the loops as it is moved across the fabric to the other selvage thereof. Advantageously, since the fabric is moving, the second work stroke of the cutting devices retraces portions of the path followed in the first work stroke and thus assures the severing of all the loops.

In accordance with still other aspects of this invention, the apparatus is provided with driving power in such a manner that no synchronism is required between the machine driving the fabric and the machine driving the cutting assemblies. Synchronism is not required since the numerous cutting devices continuously move at a relatively high rate of speed around the oval path and thus provide an excess of cutting. With such an arrangement the fabric may be moved many times faster on this device than the speed of movement of the fabric on a loom. Thus, for example, one apparatus of this type might sever the loops on fabrics produced by a large number of looms.

In accordance with another aspect of this invention, the axle of the cutting wheel is slidably mounted in the cutting assembly framework and a guide such as an open V- shaped member is mounted on the apparatus framework. Advantageously, the V-shaped guide engages a guide arm connected to the cutting wheel to accurately transversely position the cutting wheel intermediate its transverse terminal positions prior to each work stroke to permit the cutting wheel to oscillate transversely of the parallel portions of the oval track. A work engaging shoe is mounted on the cutting wheel axle to pull the loops into engage ment with the cutting wheel and has a round pointed toe which engages the loops when the lower portion of the cutting assembly is lowered by the roller riding on the cam track as was previously explained. As the fabric moves longitudinally, over the feeding rollers the shoe transmits an oscillating transverse force to the cutting wheel, this force being received from the moving fabric. In response to this oscillating transverse force, the cutting wheel slides and thus maintains a position above the center of the loops on the fabric and accurately severs the loops at their midpoints.

Accordingly, it is a feature of this invention to move the cutting assemblies in an oval path having its major axes parallel to the transverse axes of the fabric and to move the cutting devices thereof into engagement with the fabric only after the cutting devices have passed over a considerable portion of the fabric, thus supplementing the transverse tension on the fabric.

It is another feature of this invention to mount cutting assemblies on an oval undulatory track such that the cutting devices thereof move to engage the fabric in two parallel work strokes during their passage around this oval track, each engagement occurring only after the cutting device has passed over a considerable portion of the fabric whereby pull produced by the cutting devices supplements the transverse tension applied by the feeding rollers.

It is another feature of this invention to mount the cutting wheel on the cutting device for transverse oscillatory movement with respect to the path of the cutting device accurately to bisect the loops of the rapidly moving fabric.

Further features and objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is an end view of one exemplary embodiment of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a view in elevation of the apparatus of FIGURE 1 taken along the lines 22;

FIGURE 3 is a partial plan view of FIGURE 1 taken along the lines 33;

FIGURE 4 is a view taken along the lines 4-4 of FIG- URE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a partial plan view of FIGURE 2 on a larger scale;

FIGURE 6 is a side view partially cut-away of a pivoted roller defining a portion of applicants novel apparatus;

FIGURE 7 is a view taken along the lines 77 of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a view in elevation of one of the cutting assemblies on a larger scale;

FIGURE 9 is a section on the lines 99 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a section on the lines 1010 of FIG- URE 8;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary plan View of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 12 is a view in perspective of the shoe which cooperates with the cutting wheel.

Referring now to FIGURES 1 and 2, there is depicted an illustrative embodiment of applicants novel apparatus for making tufted fabrics. The apparatus is mounted on a framework 10, having pairs of legs 11 and 12, which are connected to a horizontal framework 14. A plurality of rollers, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28, are rotatably journaled in framework 10 and are employed to feed the cloth from a first roll 30 past the cutting unit, while maintaining lateral tension on the fabric in a uniform manner so that the tufts may be severed in uniform lengths before the fabric is wound on roll 32, as will be subsequently explained.

A roller drive motor 35, which may advantageously be an electric motor, is mounted by means of a bracket 37 on one leg 11 of the apparatus framework 10. Motor 35 is connected through a gear reducer, not shown, through pinion 38 to gear 39, which is rotatably mounted on shaft 41 and held into position by a suitable fastening nut 42. A sprocket wheel 44 is secured to gear 39 and rotates therewith. A chain 45 encircles sprocket wheel 44 and links sprocket 44 with a similar sprocket 47 mounted on shaft 48, which shaft is rotatably journaled in framework 10 and defines the axis for roller 22. The opposite end of shaft or axle 48 is secured to a sprocket 50. A similar sprocket 52 is connected on the end of shaft 54, which shaft defines the axis of rotation for roller 28. Sprockets 50 and 52 are linked together by a chain 51. Thus, power applied by motor 35 rotates roller 22 by means of chain 45, and the rotation of roller 22 is transmitted to roller 28 by means of chain 51. Rollers 16, 18, 20, 24 and 26 are in effect idlers and are rotated by the fabric frictionally engaging the surfaces of these rollers.

Advantageously, a first Prony type brake, shown on the left side of FIGURE 1, is connected to the shaft of roller 18 and comprises a spring 55 and a band 56. The band or strap 56 is anchored to the framework 10 by means of a pin, not shown, and extends around a substantial portion of the periphery of pulley 57, which is secured to the shaft of roller 18. Spring 55 is secured to framework 10 by means of a pin 59. A similar Prony type brake, best seen in FIGURE 2, is connected to roller 24 by means of pulley 61, secured to the shaft of roller 24, and comprises strap 63, secured to horizontal member 14 by means of pin and spring 67, shown in FIGURE 2, linked to strap 63 and secured to horizontal member 14 by means of pin 69. The purpose of the above-mentioned Prony brakes is to apply frictional drag to rollers 18 and 24, respectively, so that the fabric is maintained under substantially uniform longitudinal tension at all times. This longitudinal tension aids in the production of transverse tension in the fabric in a manner which will be subsequently explained.

In accordance with certain features of this invention, rollers 16 and 18 have roughened surfaces to provide a high frictional engagement with the fabric against which the transverse tension producing roller 22 may act on the fabric, as will be subsequently explained. Roller 20 is a smooth surfaced roller and serves merely as an idler to change the direction of the fabric while preventing the fabric from touching roller 22 as the fabric passes from roller 18 to roller 20. Roller 20 also serves to provide linear anchor from which pull is exerted on the fabric so that good frictional contact is maintained between the faces of roller 22 and the fabric in a manner which will be subsequently explained.

Roller 22 embodies certain unusual construction such that it exerts transverse tension on the fabric by means of longitudinally pivoted members having serrated faces, which members move away from the center line of the fabric while the serrated faces are in engagement with the fabric. As seen in FIGURES l and 6, the portion of shaft 48 constituting the axle 72 of roller 22 is rotatably journaled in cylindrical member 74, which member is secured to horizontal member 23. A similar cylindrical member 75 is secured to a horizontal member between legs 12. Roller 22 comprises four pivoted members on each side of the transverse axis of the roller, such as members 76 and 78. Each of these pivoted members has a serrated face, 80', and these pivoted members are connected in diametrically opposite pairs through pivoted rings such as 82 and 84. The arms of these pivoted rings 82 and 84 are inserted in slots such as 86 and secured to pivoted members such as 76 and 78 by pins as 83 and 85. The pivoted rings 82 and 84 are pivotally mounted on axle 72 by means of pins such as 87 passing through axle 72. One end of each of the pivoted members 7-6 and 78 is reduced to a rectangular extension such as '88 and slotted to receive a roller 89 which isrotatab'ly mounted on a pin 90. Members 74 and 75 each includes a cam surface 91 and 93, respectively, and these cam surfaces operatively engage rollers 89.

As axle 72 is rotated in a clockwise direction by motor 35, rollers 89 ride upon the cam surfaces and cause the pivoted members such as 78 to be pivoted towards the transverse center line of roller 22 during that portion of the cycle in which the pivoted members are out of contact with the fabric. Since the members which are out of contact with the fabric are moved toward the transverse axis of roller 22, the diametrically opposite members which are in contact with the fabric are moved away from the transverse axis of the roller by means of the previously mentioned pivoted linkage rings such as 82 and 84. It is thus apparent that the pivotally mounted members of roller 22 exert transverse tension on the fabric through the transverse motion of these members while engaged with the fabric.

Advantageously, rollers 24 and 26 are smooth at the ends and rough in the middle to permit the transverse fabric tension produced by rollers 22 to be transmitted over these rol'lers as the fabric is moved horizontally beneath the cutting assemblies. For example, if the fabric employed is 90 inches wide, rollers 24 and 26 may have 12 inch smooth portions underlying each edge of the fabric. Also advantageously, roller 28 is rough over its entire surface and has a reduced portion at the center so that the ends, which have a larger diameter, exert greater tension on the fabric. Thus, roller 22 produces a transverse tension on the fabric and this tension is maintained by a longitudinal tension which is greater at the edges due to the cooperation of the enlarged edge portions of roller 28 and the smooth edge portions of rollers 24 and 26.

Roller 28, which is driven by motor 35 through chains 45 and 51, pulls the fabric, as was previously explained. After the fabricpasses beneath roller 28, it passes onto roller 32. Roller 32 is supported by an axle 95, which axle slidably engages U-shaped brackets such as 97, mounted on the legs 11 and 12, by means of suitable bolts, such as 99. Since axle 95 slidably engages the U-shaped brackets such as 97, the fabric on roller 32 passes directly from roller 28 on to roller 32, and roller 28 rotates roller 32 by means of frictional engagement between the surface of roller 32 and the fabric which is wrapped around roller 32, as best seen in FIGURE 2.

It is thus apparent that this novel combination of rollers produces and maintains transverse tension on the fabric by means of the novel cooperation of the roller surfaces and the operation of the pivoted portions of roller 22 to assure a uniform transverse and longitudinal tension on the fabric during the time that the fabric is passing beneath the cutting assemblies. By maintaining a uniform transverse and longitudinal tension on the fabric, it is possible for the cutters of the cutting assemblies to sever the loops in a highly uniform manner. The lateral tension of the fabric produced by the rollers is augmented by the cooperation of the cutting assemblies which also produce a lateral tension on the fabric, as will be subsequently explained. The difference between the fabric under longitudinal tension exerted by the rollers 16 and 18 and the fabric after passing over roller 22 on to roller 24 is best seen in FIGURE 5. The difference in width of the fabric is readily apparent by a comparison of the distorted lines of the loops 80 and the selvage 81 of the fabric 70 on rollers 18 and 24. As therein indicated, the threads which secure the loops to the fabric are pulled into arcuate patterns as the fabric passes over rollers 16 and 18, whereas these threads are held in generally straight line patterns as the fabric passes over roller 24. It is not essential to satisfactory operation of the machine that the lines of loops 80 be straight. Since the cutter is free to oscillate transversely of the path traveled by the cutting assembly, as will be subsequently explained, the cutter can follow these loops even though they are not in exact alignment.

During their first work stroke, the cutting devices sever certain of the loops immediately after the fabric passes over roller 24, the knife traveling generally along line 95. During the second work stroke, the cutting devices travel in a path parallel to the first work stroke and sever certain other of the loops before the fabric passes over roller 26. Advantageously, these work strokes are so arranged that the major portion of each of the work strokes takes place while the cutting devices are moving away from the center line of the fabric. Thus any pull exerted by the cutter on the fabric during the major portion of the work stroke supplements the transverse tension produced by the rollers. The minor portion of each work stroke, namely that portion performed prior to the. time the cutter reaches the center line of the fabric, is provided to ensure an overlap between the first and second work strokes. This overlap portion ensures that all of the loops will be severed.

, The cutting unit is shown in FIGURES 1 through 4 and in greater'detail in FIGURES 8 through 12 and is mounted ona pair of A-type frames 102 and 103, and three horizontal U-shaped member 92, 92' and 92 connected to frames 102 and 103. Frames 102 and 103 are.- fastened to ends of the framework 10 by means of suitable bolts, not shown. U-shaped members 92, 92' and 92 are connected together by bolts 94 and nuts 96, as seen in FIGURE 4. The cutting unit comprises a suitable electrical motor 104 mounted above framework 102 by means of a suitable angle bracket 105, which bracket is fastened to frame 102 by means of bolts such as 106. Bracket 105 is also fastened to motor 104 by suitable bolts, not shown. Motor 104 has a sprocket 108 secured to its shaft 109. A chain 110 passes over a sprocket 112 which is rotatably mounted above frame 102 by means of a bracket and bearing assembly 114. Shaft 115 is secured to sprocket 112 and has a beveled gear 118 secured to its opposite end. A similar beveled. gear 120 is rotatably journaled in frame 102 and is secured to shaft 122. A pair of sprockets, only one of which is shown as 124 are fixed to shaft 122 and sprocket 124 has a chain 125 engaging its periphery, while the other sprocket, not shown, is mounted beneath sprocket 124 and engages chain 126. Similar sprockets, not shown, are rotatably mounted on an axle at the other end of the apparatus adjacent A-frame 103. These latter sprockets act as idlers for chains 125 and 126, which drive the cutting assemblies, as will be subsequently explained. A plurality of cutting assemblies 128 are bolted or otherwise secured to chains 125 and 126 such as by means of right angle members 129 and bolts 130, best seen in FIGURES 3 and 11. Any convenient number of cutting assemblies, for example 12, may be employed, depending on the fabric and cutter speeds.

The details of the cutting assemblies 128 are shown in FIGURES 8 through 12. Each cutting assembly 128 comprises an upper portion including a flat frame member 132 secured to chains 125 and 126 by means of angle brackets such as 129 and bolts such as 130. A shaft 133 is secured to one side of member 132 by bolt 134 and has a suitable roller 137 rotatably mounted thereon. Roller 137 engages the lower surface of U-shaped member 92' and aids in maintaining the alignment of the upper portion of the cutting assembly as the assembly passes around the oval track. A shaft bearing 138 is mounted on plate 132 by means of a bolt 139. Shaft 140 is rotatably mounted in bearing 138 and has a pinion gear 141 mounted on one end thereof. On the opposite end of shaft 140 is secured a pulley 144. Pinion gear 141 engages rack 142 which defines two straight paths substantially coterminous with the work strokes. Rack 142 is secured to a U-shaped member 92" by means of brackets 143. An angle bracket 157 is secured to member 132 and has a roller 159 rotatably mounted on the opposite end to engage the surface of the track and thus stabilize the cutting assembly in a direction transverse to the oval track. The lower portion of the cutting assembly 128 includes an arm member 152 slidably mounted in the upper portion by means of a pair of U-shaped members 154 and 156 and a plate 158. Plate 158 and U-shaped members are secured to the upper portion of the cutting assembly by means of bolts 1 60. An idler pulley 161, having two pulley surfaces, is rotatably mounted on shaft 162, which shaft is mounted on arm member 152 by means of bolt 163. Pulley 144 is connected to pulley 161 by means of an elastic belt 146. A bearing housing memher 165 is welded at 166 to arm member 152. A shaft 168 is rotatably mounted in bearing 167. Pulley 169 is coupled to shaft 168 by means of a suitable key such as 170. Pulley 169 is secured to an enlarged annular sleeve 172 mounted in bearing 167. Split collar 175, shown in FIGURE 9, prevents aXial movement of pulley 169 with the shaft. Pulley 169 is operatively connected to pulley 161 by an elastic belt 155. An Allen type screw 176 in bearing housing 165 secures bearing 167 against rotation. Shaft 168 is held in position within sleeves 172 by means of a nut and washer assembly 178. The other end of shaft 168 is secured to a rotary cutter 180 by means of a suitable bolt 182 and massive washer 183. This cutter 180 is mounted in a protective housing 185.

Advantageously, shaft 168 slidably engages sleeve 172 and pulley 169 to permit the cutting wheel 180 and its housing 185 to oscillate transversely of the oval track so that cutting wheel 180 may be guided to a position corresponding to the center of the loops to be severed, as will be subsequently explained.

As best seen in FIGURES l and 11, cutter housing 185 is linked to bearing housing 165 by means of a plate 187 secured to housing 185 by suitable bolts such as 189, a cylindrical member 190, secured to plate 187 by a suitable bolt 192, a cylindrical member 194 slidably engaging cylindrical member 190 and an angle bracket 195 secured to hearing housing 165 and cylindrical member 194 by means of suitable bolts such as 197 and 198, respectively. Advantageously, bolt 198 passes through a vertical slot 200 in angle bracket 195 and the vertical adjustment of bolt 198 in this slot vertically adjusts the axis of members 194 and 190 and thus adjusts the angle of the work engaging shoe 202, secured to the bottom of the cutter housing by means of screw 204.

The work engaging shoe 202 has a wire loop toe 20S welded to a flat portion 203 of shoe 202. The point 206 of toe 205 is directed downwardly to pick up the loops and permit them to slide up the wire loop onto ridges 208 and 209 on either side of the cutter wheel 180. The wire loop is wedge shaped and has a width in the region of the peaks of ridges 208 and 209 substantially equal to the length of the loops of the fabric so that the loops will be under tension when they reach cutter 180 and to insure that the loops are severed at their mid points. It is important that the loops be under tension when they engage member 203 since these loops transmit a lateral translational force to the cutter housing through member 203. In response to this translational force, the shaft 168 oscillates in sleeve 172 in bearing member 165 and cylindrical member 190 slides on cylindrical member 194. Thus, the shoe 202 follows the line of loops even though the fabric is moving transversely of the oval track traveled by the cutting assembly 128. As the cutting assemblies 128 are moved around their oval path by means of chains and 126, pinion gear 141 engages the stationary rack 142 and gear 141 transmits rotary motion through pulleys 141, 161 and 169 and belts 146 and to rotate the cutting wheel 180.

Advantageously, the transverse position of the cutting wheels 180 at the beginning of each work stroke is controlled by means of V-shaped guides 215, shown in FIG- URES 3 and 9, which are secured to U-shaped member 92 by means of angle arms 216 and bolts 217. These V- shaped guides 215 have their open end directed oppositely to the direction of travel of the cutting assemblies, and cooperate with an upright arm member 218 secured to the cutting device by means of bolt 192. At the beginning of each work stroke, guide 215 engages arm 218 to transversely position the cutting wheel 180 to a position remote from bearing housing and immediately above the loops to be cut, as shown in FIGURES 9 and 11. It is to be noted that this position of cutting wheel is between the transverse terminal positions with respect to hearing housing 165, as indicated by the space between bearing housing 165 and nut and washer assembly 178. Thus, cutter 180 may oscillate transversely of the track as soon as shoe 202 engages the fabric. After the cutting wheels are transversely positioned by guide 215 and arm 218, the lower portion of the cutting assembly is lowered so that toe 206 of shoe 202 engages the loops as will be subsequently described.

Advantageously vertical movement of the lower portion of the cutting assembly is accurately controlled so that the cutting wheels are brought into engagement with the fabric only after the cutting assemblies have passed over a considerable portion of the fabric to be cut and approach the longitudinal center line of the fabric. Vertical control of the lower portion of the cutting assembly is obtained by means of a roller 220 rotatably mounted on shaft 222. Shaft 222 is secured to arm member 152 by means of a nut and washer assembly 223. Rollers 220 ride upon a cam surfaced track 225, which has two raised portions 226 and two indented portions 227 and four inclined planes 228, 229, 230 and 231, all shown in FIG- URES 1 and 3, connecting these raised and indented portions. The lower portion of the cutting assembly 128 is slidably mounted in the upper portion of the cutting assembly by means of arm 152, U-shaped members 154 and 156 and plate 158. This slidable mounting permits vertical motion of the lower portion of the cutting assembly with respect to the upper portion of the cutting assembly, as was previously explained, 50 that the cutting wheel 180 and shoe 202 can be moved into and out of engagement with the fabric. Since each roller 220 is rotatably mounted on an axle such as 222, which axle is secured to the lower portion of the cutting assembly, the lower portion of the cutting assembly moves vertically in accordance with the contour of the cam surfaces. Advantageously, the cam surface has an inclined plane or drop-off point 229 best seen in FIGURE 1, which permits shoe 202 to move to engage the fabric, as shown in the dotted portions of FIGURE 9, only after the cutting assembly has passed over a considerable portion of the fabric. Thus, any pull exerted by the shoe and cutting wheel during the major portion of each work stroke will augment the tension produced by the rollers. Also advantageously, the cam surface causes roller 220 to raise the lower portion of the cutting assemblies after they have reached one selvage of the fabric to the left, as viewed in FIGURE 1. The shoes are again moved into engagement with the fabric after the cutting assemblies have passed around the loop to the left of FIGURE 1 and have reached the next inclined plane 231 in their passage from the left to the right hand side of the machine as viewed in FIG- URE 1. Thus, the cutting assemblies engage the fabric in their first work stroke after they have passed over a portion of the fabric and maintain'this engagement until they have reached the selvage of the fabric. Also advantageously, each work stroke begins before the cutting assembly reaches the longitudinal center line of the fabric thus the minor portion of each work stroke, namely that portion performed prior to the time the shoe reaches the fabric center line, represents an overlap of the previous work stroke and assure that all the loops will be severed. The second engagement or work stroke is continued until the cutting assembly 128 has completely passed the other selvage of the fabric. Further, since the major portion of each work stroke takes place while the cutting assembly 128 i moving away from the longitudinal center line of the fabric, any pull on the fabric exerted by the shoe 202 and the cutting wheel 180 will augment the transverse tension produced by the rollers.

While I have shown and described various embodiments of my invention, it is appreciated that the principles thereof may be extended to many and varied types of machines and apparatus. The invention therefore is not to be limited to the details illustrated and described herein.

I claim:

1. A machine for forming a tufted fabric by severing loops attached to the fabric comprising roller means for moving said fabric into a work plane and a cutting unit comprising a plurality of cutting devices for cutting said loops while said fabric is in said work plane and oval track means for continuously moving each of said cutting devices in two parallel Work strokes in opposite directions, said oval track means including cam means and roller means operatively connected to said cutting devices and engaging said cam means for controlling the movement of said cutting devices in a vertical plane relative to said fabric and thereby controlling the length of said work strokes. v

2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein each said cutting device includes a cutting means, work engaging means connected to said cutting means and means mounting said cutting means for transverse oscillation relative to said oval track means.

3. A machine according to claim 2, wherein said oval track means includes V shaped members mounted above the path followed by said cutting devices and said cutting means includes a guide are operatively connected therewith and positioned for engaging a V shaped member prior to each Work stroke, whereby each cutting means is positioned intermediate its terminal transverse positions prior to each work stroke.

4. A machine according to claim 1, wherein said oval track means includes rack means, each of said cutting devices including pinion gear means engaging said rack means and flexible belt means operatively coupled to said pinion gear means and wherein each of said cut- 10 ting devices is provided with a rotatably mounted cutting means having a pulley secured thereto, said flexible belt means being coupled -to said pulley.

5. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said roller means comprises a plurality of rollers, one of which rollers has pivotally mounted segments in accordance with a predetermined pattern and means for selectively pivoting said segments away from the center line of said fabric when said segments engage said fabric prior to the passage of said fabric into said work plane whereby said roller produces a transverse tension on said fabric when said segments are pivoted.

6. Adevice in accordance with claim 5, wherein said pivotally mounted segments are pivoted awayfrom the transverse center line of said segmented roller when said segments are in engagement with said fabric and Wherein said segments are pivoted toward the transverse center line of said segmented roller when said segments are out of engagement with said fabric.

7. A machine for forming a tufted fabric by severing loops affixed at spaced intervals to said fabric comprising roller means for applying longitudinal and transverse tension to said fabric, cutting means for cutting said loops at their mid points and means for driving said cutting means, said cutting means including a cutting device and undulatory means for selectively moving said cutting device in a plane perpendicular to said fabric into and out of working engagement with said fabric to define the terminal points of work strokes, the major portion of each said work stroke being in a direction away from the longitudinal center line of the fabric and means mounting said cutting means for transverse oscillatory movement relative to the work stroke, whereby said cutting device accurately severs said loops at their mid points.

8. A machine for forming a tufted fabric by severing loops affixed to the fabric at spaced intervals comprising roller means for applying longitudinal and transverse tension to said fabric While moving said fabric through a working plane, oval track means having an undulatory surface thereon and positioned above said working plane with its longer dimension transverse to the direction of movement of said fabric and cutting means mounted for movement along said oval track means for severing said loops, said cutting means including a cutter, the undulatory surface of said oval track means defining means for moving said cutter into engagement with said fabric only after said cutter has passed one selvage of said fabric and continuing the engagement until the cutter has reached the other selvage in one direction of movement, said cutting means including a support slidably mounted on said cutting means, said cutter being rotatably and reciprocably mounted on said support and a loop-engaging foot secured to said support and positioned to engage said loops when said cutter is moved into said fabric engagement by said undulatory surface, said foot operatively secured to said cutter, whereby said cutter oscillates along a path parallel to the path of said fabric in response to the pull of said loops as said cutting means is moved transversely of said fabric, said support including roller means engaging said undulatory surface to move said loop-engaging foot and cutter into and out of engagement with said fabric twice during each cycle of said track means to define two parallel work strokes.

9. A machine in accordance with claim 8, wherein said fabric tensioning roller means includes a roller having pivoted segments thereon and cam means for moving said pivoted segments away from the transverse center line of said last mentioned roller when said segments are engaged with said fabric.

10. A machine in accordance with claim 9, wherein said fabric tensioning roller means includes a drive roller for pulling said fabric and a pair of work plane supporting rollers, said work plane supporting rollers being smooth at their end portions and rough at their center portions.

11. A machine. in accordance with claim 10, wherein said drive roller has enlarged portions at each end and wherein said drive roller is rough over its cylindrical surface.

12. A machine in accordance with claim 8, wherein said fabric tensioning roller means includes a roller having pivoted segments thereon to transversely tension said fabric, a pair of work plane supporting rollers and a fabric pulling roller, said work plane supporting rollers having smooth surface portions adjacent their ends, said fabric pulling roller having portions of enlarged diameter adjacent the ends thereof whereby transverse tension produced by said roller having pivoted segments is transmitted over said work plane supporting rollers to said fabric pulling roller assuring a uniform transverse tension on said fabric in said work plane.

13. A machine in accordance with claim 8, further comprising means for transversely positioning said cutter intermediate the terminal transverse positions thereof prior to each work stroke.

14. A machine in accordance with claim 13, wherein said means for transversely positioning said cutter in- 12 eludes V shaped members mounted above the path followed by said cutting means and a guide arm connected to said cutter for engaging a V shaped member whereby said cutter is transversely positioned by the engagement of said V shaped member and said guide arm immediately prior to each work stroke.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 701,578 Knowlton July 3, 1902 776,548 Read et a1 Dec. 6, 1904 893,474 Fulton July 14, 1908 1,205,905 Knieriem Nov. 21, 1916 1,275,368 Benoit Aug. 13, 1918 2,169,169 Steiner Aug. 8, 1939 2,664,920 Riddle Jan. 5, 1954 2,664,921 Riddle Jan. 5, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 756,508 Great Britain Sept. 5,, 1956 131,798 Switzerland May 16, 1929 

